HNC vs HND: Understanding the Difference and Choosing the Right Path
If you’re thinking about studying Engineering with us, you’ll come across three study options:
- HNC
- Top-Up HND
- Full HND.
This guide explains the difference clearly, so you can choose the route that’s right for you.
What is an HNC?
The HNC (Higher National Certificate) is a Level 4 qualification. It gives you core engineering skills and knowledge.
It’s a good option if:
- You’re new to engineering
- You want to develop your skills for your current job
- You want to start studying but aren’t sure yet how far you’ll go
You can complete the HNC and stop there, or choose to continue studying.
What is a Top-Up HND?
The Top-Up HND is for people who have already completed the HNC.
You join at the HND portion only, which takes you up to Level 5.
- You don’t repeat any HNC learning
- You build on what you already know
- You finish with the qualification: HND
This is the natural next step after the HNC.
What is the Full HND?
The Full HND is for people who do not already have an HNC, but who know they want to achieve the higher-level HND qualification.
Here’s how it works:
- You start at the HNC level within the Full HND course
- Then you continue straight into the HND level
- You study in one continuous programme
- At the end, you finish with one qualification: the HND
Which Route Costs Less?
| Route | Total Cost | Final Qualification |
| HNC + Top-Up HND later | Up to £8,900 | HND |
| Full HND (start to finish) | Up to £7,000 | HND |
If you already know that your goal is to complete the HND,then starting with the Full HND saves money.
“
"You are provided with all the resources you need and the support is fantastic. I would recommend UniCourse to anyone looking for distance learning at their own pace."
„John Smith
HNC Student
“
"I have enjoyed my course so far with UniCourse, I have found it a lot more flexible and can fit it around my hectic lifestyle a lot easier than attending college with assignment deadlines. Any problem I have had with the course have been answered very quickly. I would recommend UniCourse to others who are busy but want to carry on with education."
„Marc
HNC Graduate
“
"From the start of the enrolment phase, UniCourse admin team made everything simple and clear how the course would be laid out with the program ‘Totara’ I would be using. The course is a very convenient way to study even if you are already fully employed like myself and lecturers were easily contactable and friendly. Overall I had pleasant experience with UniCourse and would recommend them to anyone looking to improve on their education"
„Jonathan
HNC Student
“
"My dream of finishing my studies has been possible only because of UniCourse, they have given me the opportunity to be flexible with my studies and hold a full time job all at the same time. I would highly recommend them for anyone looking to study and work at the same time. I have found them to be very helpful with all my queries and they are quick to help me solve my problems. This is so convenient for me - I can study in my own time and in my own home no need to travel to college at a certain time. After finishing my current HNC course I hope to start my HND with UniCourse. They are fantastic i am very pleased with them."
„Golam
HNC Graduate
“
"With a full-time job and 2 very young kids, a normal 9-5 course was not an option. It was becoming increasingly difficult to better my career options. Finding UniCourse on the internet has really opened up my learning potential. Their professionalism, knowledge and flexibility are really first class. To sum them up in one word.... Awesome!"
„Adam
HNC Graduate
“
"I have found UniCourse to not only be a very convenient way to study as I am a self employed full-time electrician, but also the course tutor to be very helpful. Whether I require help by phone, email or a live web session he is always available. The tutor also returns marked work very quickly allowing me plenty of time to make any adjustments. I have found UniCourse to afford me the best opportunity to progress my career whilst also continuing to work full time. "
„Lee
HNC Student
“
"I have really enjoyed my experience so far with UniCourse.org even obtaining a Distinction on my first module. The staff and lecturers are quick and helpful with their responses to any and all enquiries and the video conferencing platform is very helpful when discussing intricate subject matter. I would highly recommend the course to anyone wishing to broaden their horizons whilst holding down a full time job."
„Richard
HNC Student
“
"Great tutors, easy to follow workbooks, great support, would highly recommend."
„Daryl
HNC Graduate
“
"Time and place were severe obstacles to me achieving a HND in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Thankfully, the flexible options offered by Unicourse have allowed me to undertake my HND from home with them while working full-time. They have personalised my HND, allowing me to choose from many optional units. The traditional colleges I looked up did not offer option choices at all. I have also managed to complete my HND with Unicourse in a fraction of the time that would have been necessary at other colleges. I am really pleased that I made the right choice. The support I got was fantastic."
„Leonardo
HND Graduate
“
"The flexibility of the courses and the professionalism of the staff make UniCourse a great way to improve your personal skills with a chance of a future career."
„Valentino
HND Student
“
"If you want to succeed I personally suggest you apply to UniCourse. Why? After many years away from study I did my HNC. It was hard work but with superb help and guidance I obtained 8 Distinctions. This year I am doing my HND in Electrical & Electronic Engineering with UniCourse. Again, UniCourse are pulling out all the stops with high quality assignments, a one-to-one video conferencing platform, incredible feedback and comprehensive support when needed."
„
